Casa África shows the reality of the lives of albinos in Senegal with a photo exhibition

Casa África inaugurated a photographic exhibition portraying the lives of albinos in Senegal and signed by the photographer Ana Yturralde last Friday, 24th January. The exhibition, titled Albino, under the shadow of the sun, is a joint project of Casa Africa and the Foundation for Human Rights 10.12.48 intended to draw attention to the situation of this group, create awareness and educate to bring about a change in attitudes project and behaviours.

The albino group suffer stigma and discrimination in the African continent. They are often abused and persecuted, they often move around at the edges of society. But their problem however goes beyond social integration and is aggravated by their living conditions. Normally poor and living under extreme environmental conditions, they face burns and skin ulcers that can lead to cancer and vision problems. The photos by Ana Yturralde for this exhibition reflect art, a high content of sensitivity and social criticism, but also the normality of people who are considered from another planet by among many of their peers, differentiated from these, simply because they lack pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes.

Albino, under the shadow of the sun brings together thirty images taken in Senegal, and a 20-minute documentary, entitled Joyce, signed by Luis Arellano. Ana Yturralde has specialised in portraits and photojournalism, has exhibited in galleries and museums, published in newspapers and magazines and edited books, among which is highlighted this one on her work with the African albino group. This work has also taken her to the pages of El País semanal. In turn, the Foundation for Human Rights 10.12.48 works to promote, protect and defend human rights, primarily using artistic expression. Its philosophy is to reach people through art to invite reflection against assault on human dignity and injustice and advocate a change in attitudes and social participation in finding solutions.